The presence of Anthropic's Christopher Olah at the Vatican is significant, and suggests that the U.S. pope's position on AI will become a new flashpoint with the Trump administration.
Papal Encyclical on AI and Anthropic's Involvement
Pope Leo XIV is set to unveil his first encyclical, 'Magnifica Humanitas' (Magnificent Humanity), on May 25, focusing on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence for human dignity. Notably, Christopher Olah, co-founder of Anthropic—an AI company emphasizing safety and risk mitigation—will participate in the launch event.
Political Tensions with the Trump Administration Over AI
Anthropic's involvement is expected to create new political friction with the Trump administration. The administration previously penalized Anthropic for refusing to grant unrestricted military access to its AI technology, leading to a lawsuit by the company. Pope Leo XIV has expressed significant concerns regarding the use of AI in warfare, advocating for stringent monitoring.
Significance and Historical Precedent of the Encyclical
The Vatican is holding an unusual high-profile launch event for the encyclical in its main auditorium, featuring a roster of top cardinals and experts. This document, signed 135 years after Pope Leo XIII's pivotal 'Rerum Novarum' (Of New Things) on the Industrial Revolution, positions the AI revolution as posing comparable existential questions, aiming to integrate AI concerns into modern Catholic social teachings on labor, justice, and peace.
Anthropic's Stance and the Competitive AI Landscape
Anthropic was founded by Dario Amodei, formerly of OpenAI, due to disagreements over AI safety, committing to prioritize the responsible development of artificial general intelligence. The company has publicly warned about the geopolitical risks of AI falling into authoritarian hands, advocating for democratic leadership in AI development and regulation. With a valuation reaching $380 billion, Anthropic is a key player in the competitive AI market, alongside rivals like OpenAI and Elon Musk’s xAI.
